Colliton intent on righting Raiders’ ship

By Aaron Vickers

November 13th, 2004

Dejected.

That was the look on the face of Prince Albert Raiders forward Jeremy Colliton, as he emerged fromthe visiting team’s dressing room after losing 6-0 to the CalgaryHitmen. It’s a look that hasn’t been uncommon for Raider players visiting the Saddledome for nearly a decade. In fact, with the loss just two nights ago, the Calgary Hitmen were able to increase their undefeated streak at home against their Saskatchewan counterparts to an impressive 29 games.

“I think that, obviously, we had a tough start, and I think we feel that we should be better then what we are,” explained Colliton, talking in reference to not only the game againstthe Hitmen, but the Prince Albert Raider season in general.

Predicted by many to challenge for East Division, the Raiders have comeflat out of the gate, posting a 6-14-2-1 record through their first 23games, placing them fourth in their division, ahead of only the lowlyMoose Jaw Warriors, who have won but one game this season. TheRaiders struggle isn’t for a lack of talent.

In addition to Colliton and Kyle Chipchura, the club boasts Dane Byers, a second round selectionfrom the 2004 NHL Entry Draft of the New York Rangers. Byers,unfortunately, has struggled in particular, with only a paltry twopoints in 21 games for the club this season. The same can besaid for Aki Seitsonen,selected in the same draft by the Calgary Flames. Seitsonen, through 23games, finds himself the club’s third leading scorer, but barelyaverages a point every other game, with 12 thus far. Evenbetween the pipes, the usually superb RejeanBeauchemin, who had a 2.32 goals against average and 30 winslast season, has struggled, with only six wins and a goals againstaverage up over half a goal a game from the 2003-04 season.

So what does Colliton, captain of the Raiders, attribute the strugglesto?

“A lot of it has to do with the older guys, we haven’t played well enough,” claimed the Blackie, Alberta native. “Ithink on any team, if you’re going to have success, you need to have your older guys playing well every night andwe haven’t had that.”

In fact, aside from Chipchura, who has 22 points, andColliton, with his 21 points, the remaining Raider playershave been woeful in the offensive end. While the duo of Chipchura andColliton have combined for 43 points, the remaining 19 skaters forPrince Albert have combined for just 83 points. The Montreal Canadiens and New YorkIslanders prospects have accounted for over a third of the team’s total offense, including 18 of 45 goals (40 percent), but it certainly doesn’t have the 58th overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft feeling asthough the team is skating as one.

Being the leader, however, has taken it upon himself to try to rightthe ship.

“It’s my responsibility, being the captain,” Colliton stated. “Ifguys aren’t willing to play the way we have to, myself and ourleadership group have to drag guys along, and we haven’t done that so far. It doesn’t mean that the responsibility still isn’t ours.”

And while Colliton hasn’t been able to turn around his team yet, hisstart to the 2004-05 Western Hockey League season has many impressed.So impressed, in fact, that Colliton, along with teammates Beaucheminand Chipchura, have earned themselves a roster spot for the upcomingCHL/Russia Challenge. While the nomination was welcomed by Colliton, heseemed more eager for the opportunity to showcase himselffor Team Canada Head Coach Brent Sutter would once again presentitself.

“It’s an honor, a great opportunity for me to play for Team WHL,” exclaimed the 6’2, 205lb center, finally cracking a smile. “Obviously it’s a big deal, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s a stepping stone towards the World Juniors and again, it’s a good chance for me, Kyle (Chipchura) and Rich (Rejean Beauchemin). It’s another chance to play.”

Certainly Sutter has seen his fair share of Colliton, especially overthe course of the summer, as he was one of 25 players from theWestern Hockey League took part in the Canadian Junior SummerDevelopment Camp held in Calgary in August. While Colliton stressedthat the summer camp was important, it was no more important than anyother stretch of hockey he’s played in the last three months.

“It’s another chance to play in front of the coach, and have him evaluate guys,” described Colliton. “It’s importantbut I think every game this season is important, the selection camp is important, and the summer camp was important, so I don’t think I’ll put too much pressure on myself.”

Colliton shouldn’t feel the pressures of playing in front of the coach,either. As one of many potential returning forwards, Colliton’sexperiences in the 2004 World Junior Championships certainly gives himan edge over his peers. At last year’s championship, Colliton dressedfor all six games, and although he didn’t tally any points, stillplayed an important role in a checking situation. It wasn’t thestatistics that remained in Colliton’s mind, though, but thedisappointment of losing to Team USA in a heartbreaking gold medalgame.

“It’s a big deal, huge disappointment,” he recalled. “Ithink everyone feels we’re going to have a great team and everyone isconfident.”

As for pressure, Colliton believes that it isn’t something that anyplayer that has already draped the maple leaf over their chest hasn’tfelt before, and that it’s to be expected when representing Canada ininternational play.

“I think that, with the returning players, there’s pressure, but there’s no more pressure then we put on ourselves, or thecountry puts on us, so it’s just the responsibility that comes with playing for Canada.” said Colliton.

So while he awaits his opportunity for revenge against the Americans inthe 2005 World Junior Championships, Colliton will have to settle forthe Russians, who are set to invade Alberta at the beginning ofDecember.

Most importantly for Colliton, though, his focus for the short termwill be to serve as an anchor, and turn his Prince Albert Raidersaround, and headed in the right direction in the WHL’s EasternConference.

Copyright 2004 Hockey’s Future. Do not duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.